Education
National virtual education sessions
These free sessions, run by Regional Transfusion Committees, are for clinical and laboratory staff.
Please download these resources; resources you can order have a linked asterisk.
Guidance
For new Transfusion Practitioners
For experienced Transfusion Practitioners
Please note: both sets of guidance are under review and we would appreciate your feedback, please email your comments to nhsbt.customerservice@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Transfusing safely: procedures and essential checks
Blood components administration a quick reference guide
Blood transfusion bedside checklist lanyard
Do we know who you are? poster for patients
Do we know who you are? screensaver for patients
Do you know who they are? poster for staff
Do you know who they are? screensaver for staff
NBTC indication codes for transfusion bookmark
NBTC indication codes for transfusion poster
Pre-administration, blood component transfusion checking video on YouTube and e-LfH
Taking a blood sample for pre-transfusion compatibility testing poster
The pre-transfusion blood sampling process video on YouTube and e-LfH
The strange case of Penny Allison video on YouTube
eLearning
Anaemia
An anaemia package providing a straightforward introduction to anaemia with tailored modules for primary and secondary care, available certified and non-certified.
Maternal anaemia
A 2-part package introducing maternal anaemia and appropriate management (certified and non-certified).
Go to Maternal anaemia eLearning
Blood component use in Major Haemorrhage
There are 3 modules, for clinical and laboratory staff, covering the key aspects of transfusion support in Major Haemorrhage.
Go to Blood component use in Major haemorrhage elearning
New Blood Transfusion Training (BTT) elearning programme - from October 2022
New elearning modules replacing learnbloodtransfusion (LBT) are available on elearning for healthcare (elfh) and the Electronic staff record (ESR). Please note: search 'blood transfusion' in the learning catalogue.
To support the redevelopment within this financial year the modules will initially be available in an interim text and image format, but the content is current and accurate. The functionality does allow hosting of the modules on local learning management systems via elfh.
- Essential Transfusion Practice - replacing LBT Safe Transfusion Practice (STP) and STP paediatrics
- Good Manufacturing Practice
- Consent - replacing LBT Consent for Transfusion
- SHOT - a new module
- Transfusion Reactions - replacing LBT Acute Transfusion Reactions
- Blood Components - replacing LBT Blood Components and Indications for Use
- Cell Salvage - replacing LBT learncellsalvage
- Introduction to Safer Transfusion Laboratory Practice - replacing Safe transfusion practice, laboratory
- Use of Anti-D Immunoglobulin in Pregnancy
There will be a break in provision of the “collection” and “phlebotomy pathways”. Although the relevant content is included within ETP you may wish to put alternative provision in place, please be reassured that plans are in place to address this as a priority in 2023 - 24.
From April 2023 onwards, we will take one or two modules per year and rebuild them utilising the full functionality and interactivity the software provides. This work will be in collaboration with our colleagues in the other UK blood services. The LBT modules are still available via learnPro but NHSBT no longer supports free of charge access to this platform. Your transfusion practitioner can advise which programme is applicable to your organisation.
Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO)
TACO matters flyer *
TACO matters poster
TACO matters screensaver
Non medical authorisation of blood components
Clinical course
Non medical authorisation of blood components
The course costs £300 and is for senior nurses and midwives who are working towards making the clinical decision and providing the written instruction for blood component transfusion.
Resources
Policies and competency documents shared by Regional Transfusion Committees:
Hospice
This poster (please download, not available to order from the distribution hub) has been adapted and tailored to the specific requirements of hospice patients requiring transfusion. Produced in response to the National Comparative Audit of red blood cell transfusion in hospices 2016 and in collaboration with the staff from St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds.
Paediatric and neonatal
Laboratory best transfusion practice for neonates, infants and children bookmark
Transfusion of blood components for infants and children bookmark
Transfusion of blood components for neonates bookmark
Specific requirements
Irradiated blood components poster
Irradiated blood components screensaver
Irradiated blood factsheet (PDF 289KB)
Irradiation indicator labels web page
Our other resources include:
Cryoprecipitate: information for healthcare professionals factsheet
Fresh frozen plasma: information for healthcare professionals factsheet
Framework for the provision of blood transfusion out of the acute hospital setting
Is my blood transfusion necessary? poster *
PBM toolkit - advice on implementing Patient Blood Management strategies in clinical practice
Apps
Blood Assist: blood component administration
This smartphone and web-based application summarises the key guidelines and recommendations for the safe administration of blood components. It is designed for use, at the bedside, at the time of transfusion.
It is available for NHS Trusts and individuals and is free to download:
- Google play and iTunes stores, search NHS Blood Assist
- As a web-based application www.bloodassist.co.uk
Please tell us what you think of the app, we'd appreciate your feedback.
Please use our poster and video to help promote our app to your colleagues.
Videos
An explanation of how Tranexamic Acid reduces bleeding on YouTube
BSH administration of blood components on YouTube
Having a blood transfusion on YouTube
Pre-administration blood component transfusion checking on YouTube and e-LfH
Pre-transfusion blood sampling process on YouTube and e-LfH
Setting up and performing a Manual Red Cell Exchange in Sickle Cell patients (less than 40kg) on YouTube; supporting documentation for patients weighing less than 40kg: Example 1 (Word 64KB) Example 2 (Word 92KB)
Setting up and performing a Manual Red Cell Exchange in Sickle Cell patients (40kg and more) on YouTube; supporting documentation for patients weighing more than 40kg: Example 1(Word 67KB) Example 2 (Word 57KB)
The strange case of Penny Allison on YouTube
Websites
Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT)